Carolyn + Jonathan by Alixann Loosle Photography

We envisioned our wedding as a dreamy, slow-paced European weekend.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re Jon Jon and Carolyn, two Arizona natives who fell in love with each other, our home state, and the life we’ve built together. By day, Jon’s a sharp, steady project manager, and Carolyn brings creativity to the wholesale furniture world. But the real heartbeat of our little family? Stella, our fluffy, wide-eyed Bernedoodle, basically runs the show.

We live in a charming 1970s Spanish-style home that feels like it was waiting just for us, with arched doorways, warm saltillo tiles, and all the quirks we adore. We’re constantly dreaming up little projects, turning each corner into something that feels even more us.

Weekends are made for lake days, spontaneous hangouts with friends and family, or slow evenings at home with music playing, wine in hand, and Stella curled up nearby.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met in the most unexpected, perfectly imperfect way, at Jon Jon’s dad’s birthday party. Carolyn was 18, tagging along with her (gay) husband, Garrett, and Jon, 21, arrived with his girlfriend. It sounds like a plot twist from a rom-com, but it was real life. Carolyn actually knew Jon’s parents and brother before she even knew Jon existed, a slow burn in the making. When we finally locked eyes, there was an instant spark, one of those quiet, curious moments where the universe seems to nudge you and say, “Pay attention.”

The next time we saw each other, the timing aligned. Jon was single, and Carolyn got invited to a cozy game night at his parents’ house. That night, under a blanket of stars and soft firelight, we ended up talking until 4 a.m., about everything and nothing. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was simple, honest, and magnetic. The kind of moment that changes everything.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

We envisioned our wedding as a dreamy, slow-paced European weekend, something between a family reunion and a love story. We didn’t want a big production or people shuffling onto buses in heels. We wanted togetherness. So we found the Farmhouse Inn, a charming boutique hotel with just 25 rooms, nestled in wine country and wrapped in gardens that felt like a scene from a romantic film. Every corner was blooming, every pathway felt like it led to something magical.

Our goal was intimacy, where our 52 guests could arrive, unpack, and not have to leave until the last toast was made. The vibe was casual elegance with a European twist: long tables, twinkling lights, warm laughter, flowing wine. Food and florals were everything to us, and both delivered beyond our dreams. Tumbleweed brought the garden to the table, and the Michelin-starred restaurant gave us a meal that felt like love on a plate.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The standout elements were definitely the florals and the natural scenic beauty of Forestville. The floral arrangements were breathtaking, perfectly complementing the surroundings and enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Every detail, from the soft colour palette to the lush, organic styling, felt thoughtfully curated and elevated the entire setting. The natural backdrop of Forestville, with its towering trees and serene landscape, added an effortless charm that didn’t need much embellishment. Together, the florals and the location created a harmonious and visually stunning environment. It was the perfect blend of curated elegance and raw, natural beauty that made the day truly unforgettable.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

Planning the wedding over two years was both rewarding and challenging, especially as someone who suffers from OCD. At times, the pressure to have everything perfect became overwhelming. What helped most was learning to take things day by day and not trying to plan everything too far in advance. Breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps made it feel less daunting and more enjoyable. My advice to other couples is to give yourselves grace, trust the process, and don’t feel rushed to have it all figured out right away. Focus on what truly matters and enjoy the journey together.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Our florist, photographer, and band were absolute standouts and truly brought our day to life. The florist created breathtaking arrangements that perfectly matched our vision and complemented the natural surroundings. Our photographer captured every moment with such authenticity and artistry—we’ll cherish those images forever. The band was incredible, setting the tone from start to finish and keeping everyone on the dance floor all night.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

I found my dream dress, a Vivienne Westwood gown, at LoHo in West Hollywood, and the experience was incredibly special. I went with my mom, who lost her own mother at a young age, and sharing that moment together felt deeply meaningful and emotional. The dress was timeless, elegant, and felt truly “me.” It was a perfect reflection of the day we had envisioned. Jon wore a custom tuxedo that fit him flawlessly and brought a modern edge to a classic look. Our outfits not only felt personal and unique but also carried sentimental value that made them even more memorable and significant to us.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Carolyn’s wedding ring story is one of our favourite memories. Her mom invited her longtime jeweller over for a fun and intimate meeting, where he brought a selection of vintage rings. Among them was a stunning Art Deco piece from the 1940s that instantly stole Carolyn’s heart; it felt like it was meant for her. Jon chose a timeless Cartier ring, similar to one he had gifted Carolyn earlier in their relationship.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Florals and the venue’s food and drinks were the elements we cared most about and were happy to invest in. The florals truly transformed the space, creating a romantic and visually stunning atmosphere that felt both natural and elevated. Every arrangement was thoughtfully designed and added so much beauty to the day. Equally important was the food and drink experience; our venue delivered an incredible menu that our guests are still talking about. We wanted everyone to feel well taken care of, and great food, cocktails, and service played a huge part in creating that warm, celebratory feeling we envisioned.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Our favourite moment was a quiet one shared just between the two of us. We chose not to do a first look, so after our aisle exit, we slipped away to the pool house at our venue. As soon as the door closed behind us, we both started crying, overwhelmed with happiness, adrenaline, and love. It was an incredibly emotional and grounding moment, just the two of us taking in the weight and beauty of what had just happened.